DEBATE ON THE MOTION FOR THE SUMMER ADJOURNMENT
HONG KONG (EXCLUDING NATIONALITY)
Line to take
-
My hon Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and
Commonwealth Affairs is visiting China this week to discuss
matters relating to Hong Kong and other issues of common concern with senior Chinese leaders. Aim is to rebuild good working relations with China over Hong Kong.
(Attitude of EC Partners: if raised)
- It has always been accepted by our European partners that
we have a special need to maintain high-level contact with Chinese because of our responsibility for Hong Kong. My hon Friend's visit is in pursuance of that aim.
Bill of Rights
A Bill of Rights is being introduced into the Hong Kong Legislature this week. Will enhance human rights guarantees in Hong Kong and should contribute to the maintenance of
confidence in the territory.
Chinese attitude: if raised)
-
We have made clear that we will consider any comments on the Bill which Chinese authorities wish to put forward. Joint Declaration provides for the Covenant on which Bill is based to remain in force in Hong Kong after 1997. China see no difficulty with the Bill of Rights becoming a
law of HKSAR.
Hope will
ROEAGM/1
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